Studies consistently show that both the dorsal/ventral ACC and medial PFC are recruited during the fear response. With regards to SAD, the ACC/mPFC complex is most likely associated with the evaluation of social feedback and conflict resolution. Individuals with lower self-esteem, who also tended to score higher on the STAI, showed hyperactivation of the ventral ACC/mPFC in response to positive social feedback. Activation of the dorsal ACC/mPFC was also observed during cognitive reappraisal. Taken together, these findings suggest a potential protective role of the ACC/mPFC complex against common symptoms of SAD.